Totino-Grace President Reveals Gay Relationship, Resigns

The president of Totino-Grace High School resigned from his job last week - a voluntary decision he made because he's in a committed same-sex relationship.

William Hudson's last day as president at Totino-Grace in Fridley was Friday, June 28, according to a statement from the school Tuesday, July 2.

"I love the Totino-Grace community, however I need to be truthful about my life," said Hudson in a statement. "I am in a committed same-sex relationship, and I felt the best course of action was to inform the school. I value my time at Totino-Grace as one of the most enriching experiences of my career."

Hudson has led the school as president since 2011. He also worked as vice president for mission at the school for seven years.

Hudson also taught at Hill-Murray School in St. Paul. There, he was a campus minister, a coach, a club moderator, a dean of students and assistant principal.

Earlier in his career, he taught middle school religion at Trinity Catholic Elementary School in St. Paul.

Before that, he was the associate executive director of the Second Schools Department of National Catholic Educational Association in Washington, D.C. In that role, he worked with more than 1,200 Catholic high schools across the country.

"Bill served the Totino-Grace community well during his nine years at the school," said Mark Motzel, Totino-Grace's school board co-president, in a statement.

"He has an excellent record of accomplishment and provided strong academic and financial stewardship at Totino-Grace during his tenure," Motzel stated. "That said, leading a Catholic school while living in a committed same-sex relationship is not consistent with the teachings of the Catholic Church. We thank him for his service and wish him well as he explores new professional opportunities."

Julie Michels, the school's principal, has been named interim president, the school stated. She'll be working with Brother Milton Barker, who will serve as executive vice president.

Michels has worked at Totino-Grace for 22 years. She's been the school principal since 2001. Barker has worked at the school for 23 years.